Official: Blackhawks Say Good Bye To Kevin Hayes

“We offered Kevin what we believed was a generous and fair contract. Unfortunately, he felt it was in his best interests to become a free agent. We are looking forward to the compensatory draft pick we are receiving and are focused on the excitement surrounding the start of training camp next month.”

The Blackhawks will receive the 54th overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft as compensation.

I’m with you ebony. Hayes had a great senior year for sure. But the NCAA is a long way from the NHL, case in point hobey baker winner Drew Leblanc. In my mind, if Matt Carey turns out to be a better player than Hayes, then it’s a trade off. We shall see.

The hawks should walk away from the 2015 draft with 3 really solid prospects in the top 60, and perhaps more if they make salary cap necessitated deals both this September and at the draft in 2015 .

Nigrelli, I am with you. The jump from college, juniors or minor league hockey to the pro game isn’t a mile, it’s 1000 miles. The trouble is that these kids listen to the wrong people and think that they are larger than the game itself. You’ll see Kevin Hayes playing in a men’s league near you!!

Hayes didn’t sign because he felt he couldn’t make our team within a season, that says it all…and ultimately, we don’t need Kevin Hayes right now, so getting the #54 pick next year will suffice. Hayes would not be a top 6 player on the Hawks for at least the next 4 years if ever…

I will be very curious to watch Kevin Hayes NHL game. Is he a top 6 forward? Or is he just a bottom 6 guy? Can he even play NHL hockey? Honestly I have no idea.

What I know is his character is questionable. I also know despite every excuse and reason a 1st rounder is leaving the Hawks for NOTHING and that sucks! But im glad I dont have to hear about Hayes the Hawks prospect any longer.